Cover Letter Writing Masterclass
A great cover letter complements your resume and shows personality. Here's how to write one that gets you interviews.
Cover Letter Structure
Paragraph 1: The Hook
Grab attention immediately. State the position you're applying for and why you're excited about it.
Paragraph 2: Your Value Proposition
Connect your experience to the job requirements. Use specific examples and achievements.
Paragraph 3: Why This Company
Show you've researched the company. Explain why you want to work there specifically.
Paragraph 4: Call to Action
Express enthusiasm for an interview and thank them for consideration.
Sample Cover Letter (Mid-Level Professional)
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, Nigeria] [Phone Number] [Email Address] [Date] [Hiring Manager's Name] [Title] [Company Name] [Company Address] [City, Nigeria] Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], I am writing to express my strong interest in the Marketing Manager position at [Company Name], as advertised on HeadHunter.ng. With 5 years of progressive experience in digital marketing and a proven track record of increasing brand engagement by over 60%, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team's continued success in the Nigerian market. In my current role as Senior Marketing Officer at [Current Company], I have successfully led campaigns that increased our social media following from 50,000 to 180,000 in 18 months while maintaining a 12% engagement rate—significantly above the industry average of 3-5%. I spearheaded our transition to data-driven marketing, implementing analytics tools that improved our ROI by 45%. These experiences have equipped me with the strategic thinking and execution skills that align perfectly with your requirements for this role. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of your innovative approach to reaching Nigerian consumers and your recent expansion into [specific initiative]. Your commitment to [company value] resonates with my professional philosophy, and I am eager to contribute fresh perspectives to your marketing strategy while learning from your talented team. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background in digital strategy, team leadership, and market analysis can contribute to [Company Name]'s goals. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of speaking with you soon. Warm regards, [Your Name]
Sample Cover Letter (Fresh Graduate)
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], As a recent graduate of the University of Lagos with a First Class degree in Computer Science and a passion for software development, I am thrilled to apply for the Junior Software Engineer position at [Company Name]. During my academic career and internship experiences, I have developed strong programming skills and a problem-solving mindset that I am eager to apply in a professional setting. During my 6-month internship at [Company], I contributed to developing a mobile app that is now used by over 10,000 Nigerian students. I worked primarily with React Native and collaborated with a team of 5 developers using Agile methodologies. Additionally, my final year project—a fintech solution for Nigerian SMEs—won the university's Innovation Award and is currently being piloted with 50 local businesses. I am particularly excited about [Company Name]'s work in [specific area] and your company culture that emphasizes continuous learning. As someone who completed 3 Coursera certifications during university and actively contributes to open-source projects, I value growth opportunities and would thrive in your collaborative environment. I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss how my technical skills, enthusiasm, and fresh perspective can contribute to your development team. Thank you for considering my application. Best regards, [Your Name]
Nigerian-Specific Tips
- Address properly: Use "Dear Sir/Madam" only if you can't find the hiring manager's name (research LinkedIn!)
- Reference NYSC: If recently completed, mention it briefly
- Location matters: If relocating to Lagos/Abuja for the job, mention your willingness and readiness
- Professional tone: Nigerian employers expect formal business language
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic letters (clearly copy-pasted for multiple applications)
- Repeating your resume word-for-word
- Focusing on what you want instead of what you offer
- Typos and grammatical errors (proofread 3 times!)
- Being too long (max 1 page)
- Negative language about current/previous employers
Customization Checklist
Before sending, ensure you've:
- ✓ Used the company name and hiring manager's name correctly
- ✓ Referenced specific details about the company (recent news, projects, values)
- ✓ Matched 3-5 keywords from the job description
- ✓ Included quantifiable achievements
- ✓ Shown enthusiasm without being overly casual
- ✓ Proofread for Nigerian English spelling and grammar